babul (bark)

A tree (Acacia arabica) found in India and Africa,
the bark of which yields one of the most important
indigenous tanning materials in the Northern areas
of India and Pakistan. The average tannin content
of the bark is about 12%, along with about 8%
soluble non-tans. Babul is one of the condensed
class of tannins, and, when used alone, tans very
slowly and produces a leather that is somewhat
harsh and dark in color, but firm and durable. It
is usually used along withMYRABOLANS to improve
color and reduce other undesirable characteristics
resulting from the use of babul alone. In recent
years the use of babul bark has declined in favor
of WATTLE (BARK) .
See also: VEGETABLE
TANNINS .